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What Do YOU Think About Sheriff Carona Resigning?

“While it’s a combination of factors that Mike decided to retire, one of the factors is his ability to focus on his defense […] He also wanted to make sure the department was ready for a smooth transition.”
– H. Dean Steward, Soon-to-be-retired Sheriff Mike Carona’s attorney

Have you heard the big news? OC Sheriff Mike Carona will announce today on the department’s web site that he will be resigning. And already, talk has begun over who will be replacing him.

So is Carona right to resign? Did he have no other choice? After all, he is on trial for federal corruption charges. Oh yes, and now that he resigned, he can accept the free legal aid of two top-notch defense attorneys.

And who should now replace Carona? Bill Hunt, the deputy who Carona unfairly fired in 2006 after he made the bold move to run against him? Ralph Martin, the LA County deputy (who actually resides in Coto) who’s really been impressing our Supervisors lately? Paul Walters, the long-serving Santa Ana Police Chief? Someone else?

For over three decades, I have been proud to serve the residents of Orange County as a law enforcement officer. For the past nine years, as the elected Sheriff of Orange County, I have had the privilege of leading the men and women of what I believe to be one of the finest law enforcement organizations in the country.

During my tenure as Sheriff, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has continued to provide outstanding police services to our contract cities—several of which are recognized as among California’s safest communities. We continue to implement innovative programs throughout our department such as the highly effective Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program, the Orange County Re-entry Partnership to reduce recidivism, and the Sheriff’s Community Coalition Program which provides broad based community feedback to the Sheriff and members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Our Forensics Services Division is a nationally recognized leader, particularly in the field of DNA technology. In addition to managing the 8th largest jail system in America, our Terrorism Early Warning Group, state-of-the art Coroner training facilities and Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy have added important dimensions to our capabilities and effectiveness and serve as models for other law enforcement agencies around the country.

Over the past few weeks it has become clear to me that the interests of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the residents of Orange County would be best served if I am not distracted from my duties while defending the charges recently brought against me by the federal government. As a consequence, I have worked closely with my staff to assure that my departure from the Orange County Sheriff Department will not materially disrupt its operations or the very capable leadership structure that I have been privileged to work with over the years. Undersheriff Galisky, the Assistant Sheriffs and the more than 4000 members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have responded to this challenge with the level of deep commitment and excellent service which the residents of this county have come to expect and enjoy.

With a heavy heart, I therefore announce my retirement as Sheriff, effective today. Although this is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, my family, my staff and my lawyers all believe that this is the right time to take my retirement. This action will permit me to focus on vindicating my name and refuting the false charges which have been made against me and my wife.

I have asked Undersheriff JoAnn Galisky to fulfill my duties of Sheriff until a successor is appointed by the Board of Supervisors following a thoughtful candidate search. Undersheriff Galisky respectfully declined due to personal commitments she must attend to. Therefore, in an effort to restructure management and ensure continuity I have returned JoAnn Galisky to the rank of Assistant Sheriff and I thanked Assistant Sheriff Dan Martini for his years of service and released him from his commitments to the organization.

Finally, I have appointed Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson as the second in command and the Chief of Staff.

Assistant Sheriff Anderson has a long and distinguished career in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and is one of our most respected members. I am confident that I leave the Orange County Sheriff’s Department knowing that it is in very capable hands.
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I wish my successor as Sheriff, and the people of this great county the very best. It has been an honor and privilege to serve. I hope that when my current legal circumstances are behind me, I will have another opportunity to serve our community.

What do you think about today’s big news of Carona resigning? Did he have to do it? Is this good for the Sheriffs’ Department? And who may turn out to be our new Sheriff?

16 comments for “What Do YOU Think About Sheriff Carona Resigning?”

I only have a minute and no time to research — what does it mean that he’s thanking Dan Martini and releasing him? Is Martini fired? If so, why?

just...asking?

January 14, 2008 at 9:53 am

He’s released from management responsibilities. He’ll return to former rank and assume some local leadership duties. Basically he’s out of the “inner” circle.

The Truth

January 14, 2008 at 9:56 am

A better question – what does the Flashreport think of Carona’s resignation? So far, they haven’t written a word about it, so I wonder if the resignation even really happened.

Andrew Davey

January 14, 2008 at 9:57 am

Gila-

Hmmm… I also wonder…

just asking-

Yep, it now seems like destiny has been fulfilled! Really, how the heck was Carona supposed to continue acting as Sheriff when he’s under indictment for federal corruption charges? Good riddance to him!

rebecca-

Why the sadness? Will you be missing all of Carona’s scandaliciousness? Will you be missing the “Little Sheriff’s” many escapades? Will you be missing the Vegas mob?

Just wondering… 😉

The Truth

January 14, 2008 at 10:19 am

Photos with Carona

Someone needs to compile and archive a database of Mike Carona with every elected official they can find.

Could be useful in the future.

Still no word from Flisechman….

just...asking?

January 14, 2008 at 10:28 am

I was at an event with several LAPD officers from various departments. We pulled up some stories and photos on Carona and got a lot of laughs.

Then it hit that this was no joke and this guy is entrusted with the safety of so many. LAPD’ers even expressed disbelief at the level of corruption (amazing in itself). Most problems in departments, even their own, are at low levels and involve localized issues. Nobody could recall top brass ever being involved or indicted in such messy happenings.

Bankrupcy, corruption, OC does it in grand style again!

Anonymous

January 14, 2008 at 11:34 am

Why did no Democrats speak up and call for Carona’s resignation?

Chris

January 14, 2008 at 12:02 pm

Here in Repub country that would have reeked of partisanship. But why paint the peacock? There was no need since “America’s Sheriff” did a great job of hanging himself, even demonstrating by refusing to resign that he put his own needs above those of his constituency.

So when can we start using the phrase “disgraced and indicted former Sheriff Mike Carona” they same way Flash Report always places it in from of any reference to Gray Davis? Just checking….

Andrew Davey

January 14, 2008 at 4:10 pm

Claudio-

And you know we did, too! All one has to do is search “Mike Carona” or “Carona Indictment” on this blog to see all our posts.

Dan-

Ha! If we were to apply the same rule to disgraced criminal CReeps that Flash applies to Gray Davis, it would be quite hard to fine one CReep who WASN’T disgraced! 😉

Paul Lucas

January 14, 2008 at 4:16 pm

Dan,
You can do that anytime you want. As far as my opinion of Carona resigning; Im actually kinda sad because I was looking forward to the months long circus surounding this Disgraced and Indicted Former Sherif. (Wink)

Andrew Davey

January 14, 2008 at 4:20 pm

Paul-

Don’t worry. Our disgraced former sheriff has stepped down, but he’s not far from the spotlight. You can still laugh at the continuing circus as it unfolds. 😉

Anonymous

January 14, 2008 at 6:08 pm

Why did no ELECTED Democrats speak up and call for CaronaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s resignation?